USC BASKETBALL NOTEBOOK: Haden shows his support

USC athletic director Pat Haden hosted dinner for the basketball team this week in a sign of support since the firing of coach Kevin O'Neill last month. It also followed USC's biggest victory of the season last week against UCLA.

Interim coach Bob Cantu said he and Haden speak frequently since Cantu was appointed to replace O'Neill.

"The X-rays on Fuller were negative," Cantu said. "I knew Jio was going to play. He wouldn't miss the game. He's been battling the flu."

Fontan started and played 20 minutes in the first half and had seven assists. He missed all four shots, however, including three shots from 3-point range.

Fuller played five minutes. He sprained his ankle last week against UCLA after scoring a season-high 15 points against the Bruins.

Wise and Terrell boost

Cantu said guard J.T. Terrell and forward Eric Wise were keys to USC winning two of its past three games entering the Washington State contest.

"Terrell's playing very well," Cantu said. "He's made some big shots and had a huge dunk against UCLA that was very impressive. Wise has been consistent for us all year."

Wise ranks first in field goals made (106) and points (274), second in rebounds (121) and free throws made (43) and is tied for second in steals (19), third in blocks (9) and assists (39). He led USC in scoring in 10 of its 22 games.